PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER
Alendrostad 10 mg tablett
Alendronic acid
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.
 Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
 If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
 This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm
them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
 If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this
leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. See section 4.
In this leaflet:
1. What Alendrostad is and what it is used for
2. Before you take Alendrostad
3. How to take Alendrostad
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Alendrostad
6. Further information
1. What Alendrostad is and what it is used for
Alendronate belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates. Alendronate
prevents the loss of bone, and reduces the risk of spine and hip fractures.
Alendrostad is used

to treat osteoporosis. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis in people who
are taking medicines called glucocorticoids (medicines which may be used to
treat inflammations). Alendrostad has been shown to reduce the risk of spine
and hip fractures in women and spine fractures in men.
Osteoporosis is a thinning and weakening of the bones. Early on, osteoporosis
usually has no symptoms, but if left untreated it can cause fractured bones. Although these usually hurt, fractures in the spine may go unnoticed until they cause
height loss. Fractures can happen during normal, everyday activity, such as lifting,
or from minor injury that would not damage healthy bone. Fractures usually occur
at the hip, spine, or wrist and can lead not only to pain but also to considerable
problems like stooped posture (‘dowager’s hump’) and loss of mobility.
As well as your treatment with Alendrostad, your doctor may suggest you make
changes to your lifestyle (e.g. exercise and diet recommendations, stop smoking)
to help your condition. Consult your doctor for more information on lifestyle chang-
es.
2. Before you take Alendrostad
DO NOT take Alendrostad if you
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are allergic (hypersensitive) to alendronate, other bisphosphonates or any of
the other ingredients of Alendrostad (see section 6. at the end of this leaflet)
have certain problems with your gullet (oesophagus - the tube that connects
your mouth with your stomach) such as narrowing or your gullet does not work
properly and therefore you have difficulties in swallowing (a condition called
achalasia)
cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
have low calcium levels in your blood
If you think any of these apply to you, do not take the tablets. Talk to your doctor
first and follow the advice given. (See also section 3 “How to take Alendrostad”)
Take special care with Alendrostad
Inform your doctor before you start taking these tablets
 if you have kidney problems
 if you have any allergies
 if you have any swallowing problems or digestive problems such as inflammation of the stomach lining or the duodenum (first section of the small intestine), or if you have had severe disease of the stomach or bowel such as ulcers, bleeding from the stomach or the bowel or surgery on your stomach or
gullet in the last year.
 if your doctor has told you that you have Barrett's oesophagus (a condition
associated with changes in the cells that line the lower oesophagus).
 if you have problems absorbing calcium or other disorders, which may lead to
low calcium levels in your blood such as low vitamin D levels or the parathyroid gland does not work properly (a condition called hypoparathyroidism). Your
doctor may prescribe you a calcium or vitamin D supplement to prevent low
calcium levels in your blood.
 if you have cancer.
 if you are taking corticosteroids (medicines which may be used to treat inflammations).
 if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
 if you smoke.
 if you have poor dental health, gum disease, a planned dental extraction
You may be advised to have a dental check-up before starting treatment with
Alendrostad.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene when being treated with Alendrostad.
You should have routine dental check-ups throughout your treatment and you
should contact your doctor or dentist if you experience any problems with your
mouth or teeth such as loose teeth, pain or swelling.
If you are being treated by a dentist or if you are going to have dental surgery
or dental extraction, tell your dentist that you are taking Alendrostad.
Irritation, inflammation or ulceration of the gullet often with symptoms of chest
pain, heartburn, or difficulty or pain upon swallowing may occur, especially if you
do not follow the dosage instructions or the instructions of your doctor correctly
(see also section 3 “How to take Alendrostad”). You should stop taking Alendrostad and see your doctor immediately if you get any of these symptoms. Also
see section 4. “Possible side effects”. If you ignore these symptoms and continue
to take your tablet, it is likely that these gullet reactions may get worse.
Blood calcium and phosphate levels may be affected by these tablets. It is important that you tell your doctor that you are taking Alendrostad if you have a
blood test.
Children and adolescents
Alendrostad should not be given to children and adolescents.
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any
other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Please inform your doctor if you are taking corticosteroids (medicines which may
be used to treat inflammations). It is possible that you need some examinations before starting treatment with Alendrostad (e.g. dental examination).
You might get an irritated stomach if you are taking pain killers (e.g. acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen) together with Alendrostad.
It is likely that the following medicines will interfere with the absorption of Alendrostad if taken at the same time:
 calcium supplements
 antacids (medicines used to relieve heartburn),
 some oral medicines
Therefore you must wait at least 30 minutes after taking Alendrostad before you
take any other medicine (see also section 3 “How to take Alendrostad”).
Taking Alendrostad with food and drink
It is likely that food and beverages (including mineral water) will make Alendrostad
less effective if taken at the same time. Therefore, it is important that you follow the
advice given in section 3. “How to take Alendrostad”.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Pregnancy
You should not take Alendrostad if you are or think you may be pregnant.
Breast-feeding
You should not take Alendrostad if you are breast-feeding.
Driving and using machines
Alendrostad can cause side effects (including blurred vision, dizziness and severe
bone, muscle or joint pain) that may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Individual responses to Alendrostad may vary (See section 4 “Possible side effects”.)
Important information about some of the ingredients of Alendrostad
Alendrostad contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have
an intolerance to some sugars (for example lactose), contact your doctor before
taking this medicine.
3. How to take Alendrostad
Always take Alendrostad exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check
with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The usual dose of Alendrostad 10 mg is one tablet once daily.
It is very important that you follow instructions given below carefully so that you get
the most benefit from your medicine and avoid problems with your gullet.
1. After getting up for the day and before taking any food, drink, or other medi-
cine, swallow your Alendrostad tablet whole with a full glass of plain water
only (NOT mineral water; not less than 200 ml or 7 fl. oz.).
 Do NOT take with mineral water (still or sparkling).
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
 Do NOT take with coffee or tea.
 Do NOT take with juice or milk.
Do NOT chew or crush the tablet or allow it to dissolve in your mouth.
Do NOT lie down - stay fully upright (sitting, standing or walking) - for at
least 30 minutes after swallowing the tablet. Do NOT lie down until after your
first food of the day.
After swallowing your Alendrostad, wait at least 30 minutes before taking
your first food, drink, or other medicine of the day, including antacids,
calcium supplements and vitamins. Alendrostad is effective only if taken
when your stomach is empty.
Do NOT take Alendrostad at bedtime or before getting up for the day.
If you develop difficulty or pain upon swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening heartburn, stop taking Alendrostad and contact your doctor.
It is important that you continue taking Alendrostad for as long as your doctor
prescribes the medicine. Alendrostad can treat your osteoporosis only if you
continue to take the tablets.
If you take more Alendrostad than you should
If you take too many tablets by mistake, drink a full glass of milk in order to make
the tablets effectless and contact your doctor immediately. Do not make yourself
vomit, and do not lie down.
Symptoms of an Alendronate overdose may include
 low calcium level in the blood with symptoms such as skin sensations, e.g.
numbness, burning, prickling, itching, or tingling (paraesthesia) or involuntary
contraction of muscles
 low phosphate level in the blood with symptoms such as muscle dysfunction
and weakness
 upset stomach and heartburn
 inflammation of the gullet or of the stomach lining and ulcers.
If you forget to take Alendrostad
If you miss a dose, just take one tablet on the morning after you remember. Do not
take two tablets on the same day. Return to taking one tablet daily. If you are unsure, please ask your doctor.
If you stop taking Alendrostad
Always ask your doctor, if you want to stop taking Alendrostad or if you want to
change the prescribed dosage schedule. Do not interrupt or discontinue the treatment without consulting your doctor.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Alendrostad can cause side effects, although not everybody
gets them.
Stop taking Alendrostad and see your doctor immediately if you get any of the
following symptoms:
 symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (angioedema; occurs rarely) such as
 swollen face, tongue or throat and/or
 difficulties to swallow and difficulties to breath and/or
 hives.
 severe skin reactions (occurs very rarely) such as a rash, blistering or other effects on the skin, eyes, mouth or genitals, itching or high temperature (symptoms of skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal
necrolysis)
 chest pain, new or worsened heartburn, or difficulty or pain upon swallowing
(this may reflect an irritation, inflammation or ulceration of the gullet; occurs
commonly). If you ignore these symptoms and continue to take your tablets it is
likely that these gullet reactions may get worse.
The following frequencies are used in evaluating side effects:
Very common:
Common:
Uncommon:
Rare:
Very rare:
Not known:
Affects more than 1 user in 10
Affects 1 to 10 users in 100
Affects 1 to 10 users in 1,000
Affects 1 to 10 users in 10,000
Affects less than 1 user in 10,000
Frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
Very common:
 bone, muscle and/or joint pain which is sometimes severe
Common:
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headache
dizziness
abdominal pain, uncomfortable feeling in the stomach or belching after eating,
constipation, full or bloated feeling in the stomach, diarrhoea, flatulence
hair loss (alopecia)
itching
joint swelling
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swelling in the hands or legs
tiredness
vertigo
Uncommon:
 feeling sick, vomiting
 irritation or inflammation of the gullet* or stomach, damage of the gullet lining
(oesophageal erosions).
 black or tarlike stools
 rash, redness of the skin
 taste disturbance
 inflammation of the eye with blurred vision, pain or redness in the eye
 transient flu-like symptoms, such as aching muscles, generally feeling unwell
and sometimes with fever usually at the start of treatment
Rare:
 narrowing of the gullet.
 ulcers in the mouth or throat when the tablets have been chewed or sucked.
 ulcers in the stomach or bowel (sometimes severe or with bleeding)
 rash made worse by sunlight
 symptoms of low blood calcium levels including muscle cramps or spasms
and/or tingling sensation in the fingers or around the mouth
 pain in the mouth, and/or jaw, swelling or sores inside the mouth, numbness or
a feeling of heaviness in the jaw, or loosening of a tooth. These could be signs
of bone damage in the jaw (osteonecrosis) generally associated with delayed
healing and infection, often following tooth extraction. Contact your doctor and
dentist if you experience such symptoms
 unusual fracture of the thigh bone. Contact your doctor if you experience pain,
weakness or discomfort in your thigh, hip or groin as this may be an early indication of a possible fracture of the thigh bone
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any
possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via {to be completed nationally: the national reporting system listed in Appendix
V}. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety
of this medicine.
5. How to store Alendrostad
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not take the tablets after the expiry date (EXP) stated on the blister and the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not store above 25 °C. Store in the original package in order to protect from
moisture.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your
pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will
help to protect the environment.
6. Further information
What Alendrostad contains
The active substance is sodium alendronate trihydrate. Each tablet contains 10 mg
alendronic acid as sodium alendronate trihydrate.
The other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate,
croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate.
What Alendrostad looks like and contents of the pack
Alendrostad 10 mg tablets are available as white to off-white, capsule-shaped tablet, embossed "AN 10" on one side and "Arrow logo" on the other.
The tablets are supplied in triplex blister (PVC/PE/PVDC/AL) packs containing
14, 20, 28, 56, 98, 112, 120 and 50 x 1 (unit dose) tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder To be completed nationally
Manufacturer
- Arrow Pharm (Malta) Limited, HF 62, Hal Far Industrial Estate, Birzebbugia BBG3000, Malta
- STADA Arzneimittel AG, Stadastr. 2-18, 61118 Bad Vilbel, Germany
- STADApharm GmbH, Stadastr. 2-18, 61118 Bad Vilbel, Germany
- Lab.Medicamentos Internacionales (Medinsa), La Solana, 26, Torrejon de
Ardoz (Madrid) Spain
- Sanico N.V., Veedijk 59, Industriezone IV, 2300 Turnhout, Belgium
- Centrafarm Services B.V., Nieuwe Donk 9, 4879 AC Etten-Leur, The Netherlands
- Clonmel Healthcare Ltd., Waterford Road, Clonmel , Co. Tipperary, Ireland
- Arrow Generics Limited, Unit 2, Eastman Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire
SG1 4SZ, United Kingdom
- Actavis Ltd., BLB 016, Bulebel Industrial Estate, Zejtun, ZTN 3000, Malta
- Qualiti (Burnley) Limited, talbot Street, Briercliffe, Burnley BB10 2JY, United
Kingdom
- Juta Pharma GmbH, Gutenbergstrasse 13, 24941 Flensburg, Germany
This medicinal product is authorised in the Member States of the EEA
under the following names:
Germany
Sweden
Alendronsäure STADA10mg Tabletten
Alendrostad 10 mg tablett
This leaflet was last revised in 04 June 2015